A POP-UP scheme introduced three years ago to create more space for pedestrians and outdoor seating on Granby Street in Leicester city centre could be made permanent.
The Council is proposing to create additional available car parking on side streets off Granby Street to support local businesses, and so that footpaths along the busy shopping street can be permanently widened.
If given the go-ahead, the plans would see existing pop-up measures that provide more space for shoppers and outdoor café-style seating improved and made permanent. This would involve converting former pay and display parking bays on Granby Street – which have been out of use for more than three years – with new paving and seating areas, to help create a safer and more attractive route between the city centre and Leicester railway station.
The temporary measures were originally introduced as part of the city council’s response to Covid-19 in spring 2020.
Additional on-street parking is now proposed for Chatham Street, York Street, and Dover Street.
York Street would be made one-way to create space for more safe car parking.
The city council is also proposing to close the junction of Dover Street and Granby Street to motor vehicles to help improve safety. A new turning facility would be created on Dover Street, so access for general traffic can be maintained. This measure was originally proposed as part of the recently completed Granby Street gateway scheme, funded through the Getting Building Fund, a pot of government funding awarded for shovel-ready infrastructure projects to create jobs and support economic recovery.
The proposals are part of wider, ongoing investment to improve the street scene and shopping environment in Granby Street. This includes the refurbishment of historic shopfronts and restoration of the landmark Grand Hotel building, supported as part of the city council’s successful bid for £1.5million from Historic England towards a High Street Heritage Action Zone for the Granby Street and Church Gate conservation areas.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke said: “Granby Street is a major gateway into the city centre and a busy shopping street in its own right. It links directly to the railway station and is a well-used route for people walking, wheeling or cycling into the city centre.
“These latest proposals will build on the recent improvements to this important part of the city centre, and support the major heritage-based investment now being made to landmark buildings along the route. It’s vital that we continue to invest in Granby Street to support local businesses and to improve the look and feel of the area, making it feel safer and more welcoming to all.”
